World Renowned China Philharmonic Orchestra Hosts Master Class at Vancouver Academy of Music

NOVEMBER 29, 2016

Internationally renowned China Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO)  lead a Master Class at the Vancouver Academy of Music (VAM) on November 29th, 2016, the eve of their Vancouver debut at Vancouver’s Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.  Aspiring VAM students will be given a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to glean the expertise of Yun Chen, concertmaster of the China Philharmonic Orchestra. Included amongst the participants are students from VAM's Concertmaster Apprenticeship Program, a trailblazing, first of its kind program in Canada, that offers accredited post-secondary training in orchestral leadership.

Having studied the violin since the age of four, Mr. Chen has enjoyed a long and acclaimed career in classical music on stages around the world, and he has been a professor in the Orchestral Department and director of the Chamber Music and Orchestral Teaching and Research Section of the Central Conservatory of Music, China’s leading music school, since 2006.

“Music is fundamental to Canada’s heritage, and the key to preserving our artistic culture lies within our youth,” said Canadian Heritage Minister Melanie Joly. “We wholeheartedly support collaborations such as this, where the exchange of global experience and knowledge is shared between gifted young Canadians and world-renowned experts in their fields.”

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this incredible experience to our students,” said Joseph Elworthy, Executive Director of the Vancouver Academy of Music. “Our students come from all walks of life, united by their love for music and the unique experiences that the discipline can provide. This will undoubtedly be one of those experiences, one they will all remember for the rest of their lives.”

“In addition to celebrating the grand opening of Poly Culture’s North American headquarters in Vancouver with the China Philharmonic Orchestra, we are proud to be collaborating with the Vancouver Academy of Music to bring this exciting experience to their students,” said Yi Chen, CEO of Poly Culture North America. “This is a perfect example of our mandate in action: to facilitate important cultural exchanges between B.C. and China.”